Dan Burn will be paying particularly close attention to the teamsheet when Newcastle United face Fulham this weekend.
Eddie Howe’s side face the Cottagers at St James’ Park, as they aim to build on their Champions League victory over Benfica.
The Newcastle United manager must decide whether to make any changes to his side, but one department that will likely remain unchanged is the defence. The Toon backline kept a seventh clean sheet of the season against Benfica, giving Eddie Howe no reason to alter his defensive lineup.
That will mean Dan Burn continuing at left-back, which is not really where he wants to be. Centre-back is Burn’s best position, but injuries to Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are forcing the England international to fill in.
He has coped admirably so far, but could now be set for his biggest challenge.
Dan Burn smiles alongside Jason Tindall after Newcastle United's Champions League win over Benfica.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Dan Burn was happy to see the back of Adama Traore
During Dan Burn’s previous stint at left-back for the Magpies, we saw him struggle against speedsters like Anthony Elanga and Chiedozie Ogbene.
Direct pace causes the 33-year-old problems, which is a concern when the Fulham squad includes Adama Traore.
With his outrageous speed and power, he is one of the toughest wingers for any full-back to face. That includes Burn, who has spoken openly about his hatred for playing against Traore.
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During a 2022 interview with Sky Sports, Burn spoke about Traore making him feel slow as he celebrated his move to Barcelona.
“The only time I am slow is when I play against Adama Traore, then I really feel slow,” he said.
“But he’s gone to Barcelona so it’s sweet.
“I was buzzing [that Traore left Wolves]. I was more buzzing when he went to Barcelona than signing here.”
Unfortunately for Burn, Traore’s move to Barcelona was only a loan deal. He returned to Wolves, before joining Fulham in 2023.
This is now the 29-year-old’s third season with Marco Silva’s side, and he will be licking his lips at the prospect of coming up against Burn.
Why Dan Burn could be in luck when Newcastle United face Fulham
However, there are no guarantees that Traore will be afforded that luxury.
Burn could be in luck, as the one winger he absolutely hates coming up against is yet to start a Premier League game this season. Traore has appeared in six of Fulham’s eight league games this season, all of which have been as a substitute.
The Spain international is somewhat out of favour, which could be to the benefit of Newcastle United’s number 33.
Instead of facing Traore, Burn is likely to come up against Harry Wilson. He has been Fulham’s primary right winger this season, having started there six times.